The infraction or offense of speeding in a school zone is committed when the driver of a motor vehicle in a marked school zone exceeds the posted speed limit or exceeds the speed limit that is reasonable and prudent under the circumstances or conditions—conditions such as the road (straight, curved, wet, dry, icy, flat, hilly); the weather (clear, foggy, raining, snowing); the visibility; and the presence of children in a crosswalk, for example.

Laws regarding speeding in a school zone vary from state to state and among cities and towns and are usually located in a state’s statutes and sometimes in local ordinances enacted by cities or towns.

The penalty for speeding in a school zone is usually a fine and demerit points added to the driver’s license or driving record. But the fines and penalties for speeding in a school zone are usually much greater than for a typical speeding ticket or citation.

In Oklahoma, the offense of speeding in a school zone is taken very seriously due to the heightened risk to children and other pedestrians. The state statutes specifically address the speed limits in school zones, typically mandating lower speed limits during certain times of the day when children are likely to be present, such as when school is starting or ending. The exact speed limit can vary, but it is usually well-posted in these areas. Drivers are expected to adjust their speed not only to the posted limits but also to the conditions of the road and weather, as well as the presence of children. Penalties for speeding in a school zone in Oklahoma are indeed more severe than for non-school zone violations. They can include higher fines, which may be doubled in some jurisdictions, and points added to the driver's license. In some cases, community service or driving school may also be mandated. Repeat offenses can lead to even more severe penalties, including the possibility of license suspension.